| Magude | |
| Settlement Type: | District |
| Mapsize: | 250px |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | Mozambique |
| Subdivision Type1: | Province |
| Subdivision Name1: | Maputo |
| Seat Type: | Capital |
| Seat: | Magude |
| Area Total Km2: | 7010 |
| Population Total: | 53317 |
| Population As Of: | 2007 census |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
Magude District is a district of Maputo Province in southern Mozambique. The principal town is Magude. The district is located in the north of the province, and borders with Massingir and Chókwè Districts of Gaza Province in the north, Manhiça District in the east, Moamba District in the south, and with South Africa in the west. The area of the district is 7010km2.[1] It has a population of 53,317 as of 2007.[2]
The principal river in the district is the Komati River. Other rivers, such as the Mazimuchopes River, the Massintonto River, and the Uanétze River, are seasonal and only flow during the rainy season.[1]
The climate is subtropical dry, with the annual rainfall being 630mm.[1]
The name Magude originates from Magudzo Cossa, a Xhosa king who was active in the area in the second half of the 19th century. Before 1874, the Magude Circunscrição, an administrative unit in colonial Portuguese Africa, was established, but the descendants of Magudzo Cossa retained the traditional role of the chiefs and were incorporated into the government.[1]
As of 2005, 42% of the population of the district was younger than 15 years. 41% of the population spoke Portuguese. The most common mothertongue among the population was Xichangana. 59% were analphabetic, mostly women.[1]
The district is divided into five postos, Magude, Mapulanguene, Mahela, Motaze, and Panjane, which in total contain 18 localities.[1]
6% of the households in the district have access to electricity.[1]
In the district, there are 7,500 farms which have on average 2.3ha of land. The main agricultural products are corn, cassava, cowpea, peanut, and sweet potato.[1]
There is a road network in the district of the total length of 806km (501miles), of which 41km (25miles) are paved. There is a bridge over the Komati River, which requires a restoration.[1]